Surface electromyography can assist postoperative recovery process in patients following knee surgery

Following knee surgery, fear of pain and reinjury can inhibit recovery. Patients who experience chronic pain and disability may avoid physical activity and develop deconditioning syndrome—decreased muscle strength and range of motion, and even weakness of the cardiovascular system. Surface electromyography (SEMG) biofeedback training, in conjunction with rehabilitation efforts, can assist the postoperative recovery process by helping patients reduce or overcome muscle inhibition. This can achieve increased strength and range of movement, along with a return to more normal functioning of the knee.

An article in the November 2010 issue of Biofeedback describes a treatment program including physical therapy and an SEMG protocol. Two case studies are presented that detail how individual obstacles to recovery were addressed through SEMG training.

SEMG assessment takes place several weeks after physical therapy has begun. The patient demonstrates exercises, and muscle inhibition is determined by SEMG readings. SEMG may identify that the knee is capable of stronger contraction or may not have reached the full range of stretching motion it can achieve.

SEGM is a tool that can educate and encourage the patient. A patient may be consciously or unconsciously protecting the knee from harm by not performing the full range of motions in physical therapy. To maximize the patient's therapy, SEMG can be used to show that the knee is capable of more exercise. The article gives detailed techniques to be used in a therapy session, including types of exercises, visual and audio feedback, and empathy with the patient.